1 year later - still look pregnant :(

My baby just turned 1 two weeks ago. I have had a couple of people ask me when I am due... and it is highly embarrassing on both sides for me to say that I'm not. :lol:

I had a c/s and I have heard this can make things a bit slower, but I held off complaining because I thought it would suck back in eventually, but no, my belly still sticks out - not just at the bottom, but is still swollen up at my ribs too. I used to have a fairly flat belly so it is purely pregnancy related. And there is no way of hiding it!!

Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences? I'm not sure if I should wait until I've had all my kids, or if I should try working on it before my next pregnancy or what. I've heard of people wearing tubigrips, or post-natal girdles, but not sure about this long past.

TIA

Hey Tia...
Almost 8 months on and my weight is dropping....but I can see that I have real issues with my stomach. The muscles are stretched significantly...I no longer have a waisteline. Im gutted as it means that nothing looks good on me. Im gonna keep on the diet and see how I look once im back to a normal weight...but I think that my stomach has issues of its own.
Im working out at the gym and my stomach is strong....just not going flat. At all! Still look about 5 months pregnant.

I wore stomache support from the start as I had such major swelling after having the baby...I didnt even look like I had given birth yet. The support is no longer effective, not making my stomach get any smaller. I think you should approach your doctor and get some advice, because if you have another child before getting this issue fixed it may nevr go back....thats my theory anyway. Thats what im gonna do.

I`m the same, I know Ethan is only 3 months old but by now after my other two boys my tummy was back to pre pregnancy but this time it`s not, I get quite upset about it at times, especially when I try my clothes on and nothing fits, like you I had a fairly flat stomach..

One thing which is different this time is I was diagnosed with separated stomach muscles at my post natal check up so I`m thinking perhaps this is why my stomach hasn`t gone down.

Ethan was also born by c/sec.

Sorry I have no idea`s at all as to what to do but have heard pilates are good for flattening stomach`s but we don`t have any pilates classes around here.

(Even though this is an old thread, I'll reply anyway!!)

Awww honey I can't believe people have asked you that!!!!! You do NOT look like you are still pregnant - just a beautiful woman who has had a baby!!!!

My tummy went back to normal somewhat (except for the little sunshade part at the bottom :lol:) after my first csection, but that took a strict diet and exercise routine, that I simply didn't have time to do after Miss M.

I will be doing to same diet and exercise plan after this one is out though - but I don't think I'll really ever get rid of the "sunshade" - hard to tone muscles that have been cut!!

:hug: Don't be so hard on yourself - I think you look great!

Aww thanks Mel! :redface:

I try not to let it get to me... but it is just those embarrasing moments when someone asks when I'm due that really throw me! I did do some Pilates for a little while, but that didn't help (maybe I should have stuck with it longer!!) Anyway.... I have made the decision to return to it, as it is done with Physios and if anyone will be able to help me with it, it should be them!

Thankyou for all your support though!